Japan Airlines explains 787 fuel leak in Boston

Published: January 9, 2013 2:21 PM

BOSTON (AP) -- Japan Airlines is giving more details about a fuel leak on one of its Boeing 787s that delayed a nonstop flight from Boston to Tokyo.

A spokeswoman said Wednesday that one of four valves connecting the center and left main fuel tanks was open. That led to fuel flowing between those tanks to a surge tank near the wing tip and then out a vent, spilling about 40 gallons.

She says that valve was deactivated and the flight was cleared to depart later Tuesday. A more detailed inspection was scheduled in Tokyo.

The leak Tuesday was the second problem in two days for Japan Airlines at Boston Logan. A fire broke out in a battery pack in the belly of a different Boeing 787 on Monday, after passengers had exited.